Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, with early showings starting July 16 afternoon. The film marks a watershed moment for IMAX: the first feature ever shot entirely with IMAX cameras.

Nolan adapted Homer’s ancient epic into an ambitious action film following Odysseus, king of Ithaca, played by Matt Damon. His journey home after the Trojan War spans encounters with mythical beings and mortal danger. Anne Hathaway plays Penelope, his wife waiting for his return.

An Ensemble of Heavyweight Talent

The cast spans Hollywood’s A-list. Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, and Zendaya round out the ensemble. The production budget is reportedly Nolan’s largest to date.

IMAX will have exclusive access to the film for the first three weeks of release. This strategy signals confidence in the large-format experience. By late June, the film was tracking for an opening of $80 to $100 million, fueled partly by cinephiles who favor Nolan’s theatrical approach.

IMAX Technology and Scale

Shooting entirely on IMAX film cameras is uncommon. The format requires heavier equipment, slower production schedules, and technical expertise that few directors possess. Nolan’s choice reflects his long-standing commitment to analog filmmaking and theatrical presentation over streaming convenience.

The Odyssey will test whether audiences still value the epic, immersive experience in 2026. The box office answer arrives Friday night.

Nolan’s Odyssey is a bet on IMAX, on epic storytelling, and on audiences still willing to leave their screens to witness cinema at scale.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)

How long is The Odyssey?

Runtime information was not disclosed in early press materials. Nolan’s epics typically run 165-180 minutes. Plan for a lengthy, immersive experience.